Natyarangam’s ‘Uthsava Bharatham’: A journey through temple towns
The Hindu
Dancers at Natyarangam’s ‘Uthsava Bharatham’ recreated the festive spirit through impeccable choreography
After watching the group performances on the first two days of Natyarangam’s ten-day festival, Uthsava Bharatham, it was time for the audience to enjoy a few solo performances by young artistes and a thematic presentation by seniors.
The third day featured a performance by Sangeeta Isvaran, who depicted the festivities at Tiruvarur temple through the eyes of a nayika, a Devaradiyar .
The dancer, through the margam, presented the aural, visual, and experiential aspects of the spectacle, portraying the emotions of the nayika, who is besotted by Thyagarajaswamy of Tiruvarur.
Amidst the sounds of the bells, chants, musical notes of the nagaswaram and thavil, she travels to Tiruvarur, where she sees the Lord in colourful robes, and glittering jewels. In a state of total surrender, she seeks spiritual union with him.
Madhusudhanan Kalaichelvan’s lucid narration, Brinda Manikavachagan’s singing, that was rooted in classicism, and Sangeetha’s imaginative and sensitive choreography blended seamlessly.
The depiction of the sthala vriksham, the majesty of the chariot, alankarams done to the deity, and the nayika’s experiences were some of the high points.
Sangeetha immersed herself so much into the character that she drew the audience into this journey.
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